Fawad Alam exclusion from England and Ireland tours questioned by Wasim Akram

Giving opportunities to younger players to represent the country boosts their confidence and ensures that the players are rewarded consistently for their good performances in the domestic circuit. However, constant chopping and changing of the squad irrespective of results put players’ positions in jeopardy and sometimes the added pressure affects their on-field performance.

Fawad Alam is one of the most experienced cricketers going around in the domestic circuit in Pakistan. He has been piling runs season after season but has failed to receive a national call-up for his consistency. Legendary bowler Wasim Akram has said that the exclusion of middle-order batsman for England and Ireland series is ‘beyond comprehension’.

Consistent performer

Alam has scored 10,742 runs in 145 first-class matches at an impressive average of 55.37. Despite his impressive stats he failed to break into the side. “Players play domestic circuit in view of getting an opportunity to play international cricket. I can’t understand why Fawad is not getting an opportunity. He is still out from the squad despite scoring runs in domestic on an average of 50 in the last three-four years. It’s beyond me,” the legendary pacer was quoted as saying by brecorder.com.

The 32-year old is a middle order batsman who has the capability to play big innings and hold the team together. However, chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq preferred his nephew Imam-ul-Haq in place of Fawad Alam. According to critics, Imam’s inclusion looks superfluous in presence of the three openers in the test squad.

Adding to his stats, Fawad is one of the fittest players in the Pakistan camp. He did exceedingly well in the tests conducted at the National Cricket Academy. Head coach Micky Arthur is inclined towards providing an opportunity to younger players but the selection of a senior in-form batsman must not be compromised. Akram also predicted that Pakistan will face a stern test against England and need to be at their best to stand a chance against them.

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